Types of Backup Systems a Plumber Works On
Each type has trade offs. The right one depends on your pit, your power and how often the pump runs.
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Battery Backup Sump Pump Lafayette, LA: Installs, Battery Swaps and Alarms
The storms that bring the most rain are often the same ones that cut the power. A backup pump on a battery keeps water moving when the main pump stops. One free call connects you with a local plumber who installs, tests and repairs backup systems.
- Free call
- New installs
- Battery and alarm checks
- Both pumps tested
- Test before replaceAsk why the pump failed
- Quote before workAsk for every fee up front
- Right size pumpSized to your pit and water
- Second opinionsNo pressure to hire
A Line for Power Outage Pump Problems, Not General Plumbing
This number is for pumps that move water away from your home. When you call about a backup pump, you reach a local plumber who works on sump systems near you. They can add a new backup, swap a tired battery or find out why an alarm keeps going off.
A backup is one part of a full plan that also needs a healthy main pump and a clear outlet line. Our main page on sump pump services in Lafayette covers each part of the system.
What is a battery backup sump pump? It is a second pump, set a little higher in the pit, that runs on a 12 volt battery. It has its own float, so it starts on its own when the water rises past the main pump's level.
Battery operated pump
A second pump with its own battery, charger and alarm. The most common backup.
Combination unit
A main pump and a battery pump sold as one set, often with one control panel.
Water powered pump
Uses city water pressure, so it needs no battery. It does use water while it runs.
Generator hookup
A generator can run the main pump in an outage. It needs fuel and someone home to start it.
High water alarm
A simple alarm that warns you when the pit gets too high. It does not pump, but it gives you time.
Smart controller
Some systems send alerts to your phone. Ask the plumber which models they service.
Who calls about a backup pump
- Owners of raised homes whose crawlspace flooded during a power cut
- Homes with a garage or below grade drain that feeds a pit
- Homes where the backup alarm keeps beeping
- People who travel during storm season and cannot check the pit
- Landlords who want a safety net for tenants
Why Lafayette Storms Call for a Backup Pump
Rain and power cuts tend to come together here:
- Hurricane season: it runs June 1 to November 30 (National Hurricane Center). Tropical storms bring heavy rain and long outages at once.
- Summer storms: June is the wettest month at about 7.1 inches on average (NOAA normals). Lightning can cut power right as the pit fills.
- Past floods: the parish saw major floods in 2001 with Tropical Storm Allison and again in 2016 (Lafayette Consolidated Government).
- Spring: a good time to add or test a backup, before storm season starts.
Many homes here sit on raised pier and beam foundations, so the pump that keeps the crawlspace dry is out of sight. If the power goes out at night, you may not know the pit is full until the water has sat under the floor for hours. Wet framing can rot and grow mold. A backup with a loud alarm gives you a warning and keeps the water moving while you wait for the power to come back.
Backup Pump Jobs and What Each Involves
Most backup work falls into one of these jobs.
New backup install
The backup pump is set above the main pump in the same pit, with its own check valve. It ties into the outlet line and connects to a battery, charger and alarm. The plumber checks that the pit has room for both pumps and both floats before they start.
Battery swap
Batteries lose charge over time. A weak battery may run the pump for only a short time in an outage. The plumber tests the battery and replaces it if it no longer holds a charge. Ask what type of battery your system uses.
Alarm keeps sounding
The alarm can mean the backup is running, the battery is low, the charger has failed or the main pump has stopped. The plumber reads the controller and tests each part. Do not just turn the alarm off.
Backup float stuck
The backup float can stick like any other switch, so the backup never starts. It may also be set too low and run before the main pump. See sump pump switch repair for how floats fail.
Main pump checkup
A backup is not meant to do the daily work. If it runs often, the main pump may be weak or too small. The plumber tests it at the same visit. See main pump repair and replacement.
Outlet and check valve
Each pump needs a check valve so water does not loop back into the pit. A shared outlet line must be clear for either pump to work. See outlet line and valve repair.
Charger repair
A failed charger lets the battery drain without any warning on some systems. The plumber checks the charger output and the outlet it plugs into.
Sewage basin backup
Some homes with an ejector basin want a high water alarm or backup too. That work follows its own rules. See ejector pump service.
What Happens at a Backup Pump Visit
- Check the pit. The plumber looks at pit size, the main pump and the outlet line.
- Pick the system. You hear which backup fits your pit and how often your pump runs.
- Install or repair. The backup, check valve, battery, charger and alarm are set up or fixed.
- Test the main pump. The pit is filled and the main pump runs a full cycle.
- Test the backup. The main pump is unplugged so the backup has to start on its own.
What is included in a backup pump visit?
Each plumber sets its own scope and price, so ask when you book. Most installs include the pump, check valve, battery, charger and alarm, plus a test of both pumps. Ask if the battery is part of the quote.
What to Expect From the Plumber You Reach
Both pumps tested
The backup is tested with the main pump off.
Fit checked first
Pit room and floats are checked before anything is sold.
Price first
You see the full price, battery included, before work starts.
Care tips
You learn how to test the backup and read the alarm.
Backup Pumps for Owners, Landlords and Shops
- Owners: test the backup each spring by unplugging the main pump and pouring water into the pit.
- Landlords: show tenants what the alarm sounds like and who to call.
- Sellers: a working backup is easy to show a buyer during the inspection.
- Small shops: pits that must never flood may need a commercial system. Say so when you call.
Do I really need a backup pump?
If water in your crawlspace or garage would cause damage, a backup is worth a look. The main pump stops when the power does, and storms here often bring both rain and outages. A high water alarm is a lower cost first step.
Should I fix my backup or replace it?
A weak battery or a stuck float is often a simple fix. If the backup pump itself has failed or the controller is out of date, a new system may make more sense. Ask the plumber to price both.
Got Questions About Backup Sump Pumps?
How long will a backup pump run on its battery?
It depends on the battery size, its age and how often the pump starts. A pit that fills fast drains the battery sooner. Ask the plumber what to expect from your setup.
How often should the battery be replaced?
It depends on the battery type and how often the backup runs. Most controllers warn you when the battery is weak. Test it each spring and swap it when it no longer holds a charge.
Can a backup pump go in the same pit?
Usually, yes, if the pit has room for both pumps and both floats. A plumber checks the space first.
Why is my backup alarm beeping?
The backup may be running, the battery may be low, or the charger may have failed. It can also mean the main pump has stopped. Have it checked soon.
Is a water powered backup a good choice?
It can be for homes on city water with good pressure. It needs no battery but uses water while it runs. Homes on a well usually cannot use one.
Looking for help with the main pump too? Our page on reliable sump pump repair for Lafayette homes covers every part of the system.
What we help with
More Pump Help in Lafayette
Emergency RepairPump quit in a storm or the pit is overflowing? Safe first steps and what to tell the plumber.See details 
Float Switch RepairPump will not start, will not stop or clicks on and off. The switch is the usual cause.See details 
Pump Repair & ReplacementSubmersible and pedestal pumps tested, repaired or swapped for the right size.See details 
Discharge Line & DrainClogged, crushed or loose lines, bad check valves and water that flows back.See details 
Sewage & Ejector PumpsAlarms, odors and backups from ejector, grinder and sewer pumps.See details 
Repair Cost GuideWhat drives the price, repair or replace, and how to get a clear quote.See details Ready for the next outage?
Call to reach a local Lafayette plumber who installs backup pumps and tests both pumps before leaving.